Chapter Twenty-Three: A Beautiful Illusion

“If I remember correctly… the clothes over there are rather expensive, aren’t they?”

“Yes, they really are, and Su Xiaoqian seems to have picked out matching sets.”

“If that’s the case…”

Chen Wenwen’s voice gradually faded, her gaze toward the two shifting as well. She swallowed quietly and exchanged a silent look with Zhao Menghua.

Slowly, they felt as though they’d stumbled upon something extraordinary.

Lu Mingfei was just an ordinary unlucky boy. Everyone in the class knew he was poor. Su Xiaoqian was the little goddess, her wealthy family also common knowledge. Despite their stark differences, the two actually interacted quite a lot, though usually no one paid attention.

Who would care?

Today, the little goddess was carefully choosing clothes with Lu Mingfei in a high-end boutique. The look of accomplishment in her eyes was reminiscent of someone admiring a carefully dressed doll (with a touch of bias).

Zhao Menghua and Chen Wenwen had to admit: if Lu Mingfei was to be a doll, he played the part beautifully.

Because he was, in fact, quite handsome.

“So this is the legendary contracted beast?” Zhao Menghua sighed deeply. “I never imagined Lu Mingfei would agree to such a thing. No wonder his attitude has changed so much lately—so this is why. He’s no longer the person he used to be, naturally very different.”

“Is this… really okay?” Chen Wenwen suddenly felt a pang of sympathy. She never had feelings for Lu Mingfei, but he had liked her for so long, always chatting with her. Even a dog would grow attached after that.

“Maybe it’s just his choice. We should respect it,” Zhao Menghua replied.

With those words, his expression relaxed. Though Lu Mingfei had surrendered himself, he gained the little goddess’s money and influence. For him, perhaps it was even a wise decision.

The outcome favored Zhao Menghua, so he chose to respect and bless them, hoping the little goddess would never come looking for him again, but continue to play with Lu Mingfei.

And this matter—he could hold onto it as leverage against Su Xiaoqian and Lu Mingfei, perhaps even manipulate it for his own benefit.

As long as he didn’t overplay his hand.

…

“Mm, this outfit is quite nice. What do you think?” Su Xiaoqian looked at Lu Mingfei, now dressed in a new ensemble, and smiled with satisfaction.

“It really is quite nice.”

Lu Mingfei answered with a smile, his mood bright.

The first to see him in this outfit wasn’t the little goddess before him, nor himself in the fitting-room mirror, but Fenina—who was positively impatient.

Though the connection between Fenina and Lu Mingfei was hazy, observation was always blurred, but did that matter? When someone wants to look, even the faintest silhouette must be seen, and seen first.

This warmth of intention brought him a heartfelt sense of fulfillment and emotion.

It was precisely the daily moments Fenina shared with Lu Mingfei that allowed this boy to undergo a transformation of spirit in such a short time, no longer plagued by insecurity or genuine sorrow.

Details are always the best explanation, especially when they meet a sensitive heart.

“As long as you’re satisfied.” Su Xiaoqian nodded proudly. She’d spent a long time picking out this combination, and the recognition of her effort was certainly pleasing.

But then, her expression suddenly changed.

Her focus had been entirely on finding the best match, and she’d neglected the price!

“Oh no!”

Su Xiaoqian shuddered, glancing nervously at the sweetly smiling attendant beside her, and softly asked, “Excuse me, could you tell us the total price for these clothes?”

“It’s about twenty-six thousand. If you have a membership, you can get a discount at the counter. If not, I suggest you get a card…” the attendant replied with a smile.

Though the two customers were just high school students, she didn’t underestimate them. From Su Xiaoqian’s stylish dress and accessories, she judged her family to be more than affluent, and expected she could afford the purchase.

In truth, Su Xiaoqian had only brought a little over ten thousand as backup today. That wasn’t nearly enough to make such a grand gesture in front of Lu Mingfei, not to mention covering the whole bill.

Oh no, my pride!

The next moment, the little goddess quickly composed herself, wearing a playful smile as she nudged Lu Mingfei’s arm with her elbow, repeating, “Oh~ twenty-six thousand~”

She was very proud; though anxious inside, she would never show it. She feigned that she meant to do this, pretending she could buy the clothes but simply didn’t want to.

Now, it was up to Lu Mingfei!

“Alright, your choices are excellent. I’ll wear them out; please wrap up my original clothes,” Lu Mingfei said to the attendant with a smile.

“Certainly, sir. No problem.” The attendant’s smile brightened instantly. After all, the commission on this entire set would be substantial.

“Um, Lu Mingfei, you…”

The smile on Su Xiaoqian’s face had begun to falter, her hint unmistakable.

“It’s fine, I have the money.”

“But your budget was only just over ten thousand, wasn’t it?”

“It increased.”

“Your budget can increase?”

“Well, you picked so well, what can I do?” Lu Mingfei gave a helpless smile, though his mind drifted to Fenina lounging on her bed in pajamas, giving satisfied commentary.

Sleeping in on weekends is hardly a good habit. I’ll help her fix that in the future, hehe~

“…”

Su Xiaoqian’s cheeks flushed. Though Lu Mingfei bought the clothes because Fenina liked them, she had no idea. All she knew was that he’d upped his budget to buy what she’d chosen